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Friday, January 4, 2019

Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019

Happy New Year, Everyone! I can't believe we are already in 2019, but honestly, I'm really happy to be starting a new year.

2018 was probably the hardest year of my life thus far. I went through a lot of life changes that have affected me drastically, so I'm eager to start a new year and see what God has in store for me. I'll be honest, I've never actually been one to sit down and make resolution goals, because I always felt like people don't stick with them so I truly never understood the point.

However, times are a-changin'.

Within the last year or so, as I've become more of an avid blog reader, I tend to find myself super interested in reading different bloggers personal and business goals for the year, and how they hold themselves accountable throughout the remainder of the year as well. As that interest has grown, I've also found there's absolutely nothing wrong with setting new goals for yourself. While I agree that you don't have to wait until New Years to start, I have a better understanding now of, "New Year, Fresh Start."

With that said, here are my goals and resolutions for 2019:

LET GO OF 2018I think I'm still harboring anger, resentment, and sadness from the events that took place in my life during 2018. People I loved hurt me, did things I didn't like, and I had to forgive even when it wasn't asked for. And for a while, I really lost who I was. I did things I'm not proud of, I became a person I didn't always like, and I hurt people I cared about. So without a doubt, my biggest resolution for 2019 is to simply let go of 2018 and move the hell forward.

MAKE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE A PRIORITY

I know this one is pretty cliche, but it's one of my main goals for 2019. I really did make an effort for about the first half of the year in eating better and exercising regularly. I was meal prepping and I was attending work out classes at work and was also including my own workouts on top of that. I noticed a definite change in my physique when it came to my legs, they were much more defined and I was SUPER proud of that. I am a full believer in indulging in moderation, but I know that towards the second half of the year I was no longer caring as much. It's no excuse, but I think this had a lot to do with the emotional trials I was going through, and it was easier to give up. Then I also had some problems with my shoulder that resulted in physical therapy and I genuinely had a hard time getting back into the swing of things. So with this year, I hope to stay on track with meal prepping and exercising and truly hope I push myself to see the results that I want.

SAVE MONEY Getting really honest here: After going through a rough breakup last year, I moved back in with my mom. While this wasn't the most ideal situation for my ego, it was/still is the best thing for me right now. It's going to allow me to pay way less than what I have been and opens an opportunity to get back on my feet, get fully out of debt, and save up for the future.

TRAVEL MORE

While I do want to save as much as I can, I know this is also the prime time for me to do some traveling as well. I'm not talking out of the country (although I have big dreams outside of the US), but just places I have longed to go for a long time that are either in the state of Texas or other places in the United States. This will also give me more of my favorite content on the blog - I'd really love to do some travel guides and such! I LOVE reading those from other bloggers so doing them truly interests me!

BE PRESENT

We all know that technology has grown tremendously over the last several years, and I know for a fact it takes me away from those around me sometimes. Especially since starting my blog, I know I've been interested in getting more pictures for the blog and Instagram, and this often takes away from me giving my full attention to those surrounding me. This year I really want to focus on being 100% present with my friends and family when I'm with them and put the dang phone away.

DO WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY/BLOG BLOG BLOGAlthough I am going to make a conscious effort to be present in the moment, that continues on to do what makes me happy. Throughout the last year or so, I truly have felt lost and stuck in a lot of different aspects. I went through the hardest situation of my life thus far, and want to focus on my happiness going forward. So it goes without saying, but that means I want to focus more energy into my blog. I created All Things Ashley Marie back in March of last year and launched it in July so we are coming up to the year mark quicker than I realized. I know that the blogging world is pretty over saturated at this point, but creating this space for me was one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I took on something I had absolutely no clue how to do, and have had so much fun throughout the learning process. I can't even begin to describe the amount of joy this blog has brought me, and I can't wait for all the things to come here on All Things Ashley Marie.

While we are all making goals for the upcoming year, make sure to remind yourself of the things you accomplished this year and all the blessings God brought you. Despite what I have faced in the last year, I have full confidence in God's plan for me going forward.

I'd love to hear from you though - What are some things you are proud you did during 2018? And what are some of your resolutions for the New Year?!